Used Suzuki SX4 review: 2007-2012

Owners reckon they would buy another if the bulletproof little SX4 returned.

New

A new range of cars kickstarted the resurgence of Suzuki. The sports-crossover SX4, arriving in the wake of the highly praised Swift, added to the company's momentum.

There was a choice of sedan and hatch body styles, initially with three specifications: base model, S and 4x4.

The all-wheel drive could be left to its own devices to work in front-drive only, to act as on-demand AWD but also to be locked in 4WD.

All used a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 107kW/184Nm, enough to make it a willing performer for anyone prepared to stir it along through the gears.

The gearbox choices were a five-speed manual or four-speed auto, each geared for a spirited getaway.

The SX4 will reward you with reliable motoring in the long term

An update in 2010 added the Liana S and Liana GLX spec and brought modest increases in the engine's output, to 112kW/190Nm. At the same time the automatic was dropped in favour of a CVT and the manual gained a sixth forward ratio

In any spec, the SX4 was quite well equipped. The base model had airconditioning, power windows and mirrors, eight-speaker CD audio, remote central locking and engine immobiliser.

Stepping up to the S added cruise control, 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps and leather-trimmed steering wheel.

The range-topping 4x4 had climate-control aircon and 16-inch alloys.

Now

Suzukis have always been highly regarded for the engineering that went into them, the engines especially.

That said, they still require regular servicing to keep them in tiptop order and that's where you should start when checking a car pre-purchase. A service record that shows a regular schedule of maintenance by a creditable mechanic is a must.

Well serviced, the SX4 will reward you with reliable motoring in the long term.

Most owners will say the they have had to replace only the usual wear and tear items such as tyres and brakes. Tyres last 50,000km-75,000km, brakes likewise.

So content are owners with their cars that many say they would buy another one in a heartbeat if they were still available.

Two owners have a word of caution about a blind spot caused by the windscreen pillar that can block your vision when turning — changing your seating position might be enough to remedy this.